Years ago I read an eye opening work by Dave Burchett, When Bad Christians Happen to Good People. It seems like I reviewed it, but I can’t seem to find that review anywhere. For reference you can find reviews here and here.

Bad Christians discusses the impact of Christian individuals on each other. This includes judging one another, condemning one another, and using the litmus test of Christianity to determine one’s worthiness for the Church. The sinner scale is also a factor…you know, the one where his sin is considerably worse than your own and YOU would NEVER do THAT. Yeah, so anyway…Burchett addresses these issues with thought provoking wit and a candor that keeps you reading. The inclusion of scripture and personal encounters bring home the point that we are all fallibly human and in no place to ruin the spiritual life of another simply because we are operating on the sin scale of better than/worse than. Remember my last post? You have the power to make or destroy another’s day. The same can be said for their church relationship. There are few hurts worse than those caused by one’s church. To feel neglected, or shunned, by the church cuts deeply into the spiritual and emotional core of an individual. Some run from the hurt and never return.

To those, and the rest of us who have the power to reach out, Dave Burchett writes Bring ‘Em Back Alive. Here’s what one review posted at Christianbook.com:

In a clear style, sprinkled with humor, each chapter in Burchett’s book includes questions for reflection and discussion for use in committees, support groups, or one-on-one discipleship. Dave Burchett’s first book, When Bad Christians Happen to Good People, had a dramatic effect on churches across America and is the foundation for his new book. The first book exposed the reader’s priorities, preferences, methods, and attitudes, leaving in it’s wake two simple, foundational questions: Who is Jesus Christ, and what should your life look like as a result of that relationship? Bring ‘Em Back Alive is the answer.

Those of us who have been hurt by the church will either turn against it, or struggle back to it. It is a lengthy struggle that requires time, patience, and prayer. Burchett reminds the reader that it requires forgiveness, and forgiveness is not optional. Any emotional healing process requires forgiveness and it is one of the most trying hurdles of life. We associate forgiveness with reconciliation, and/or acceptance of the wrong that needs forgiving. NO! Just because you forgive someone you are not saying it is OK or the wrong was not wrong! Call a spade a spade but open your heart to forgiveness if you hope to move forward for yourself. You don’t have to forgive so the one who wronged you feels better, you have to forgive so YOU can heal. If you hold on to the wrong then you will only have bitterness.

Burchett divides Bring ‘Em Back Alive into three parts. The first, “The Heartbreak of a Scattered Flock,” addresses those who have been wounded or abandoned and those of us who have allowed it. There will be “bad Christians” happening to good people, but there are “good Christians” who do not stand up to the defense of others. If not stand for their defense then stand in prayer with them so they are not alone. Burchett also addresses the “Lethargic Lamb” saying churches need to step out of the holy huddle and join the game of life. He talks about burn out by new Christians as well as pollution within the church (gossip and corruption). Many Biblical references are made to shephards and how they tend their flock, relating to church leaders and their congregations.

Part II is a plan for healing and restoration. Included in part two is a section on hope through Christ, letting go of victimhood, and the choices one must make. It is so easy to remain the victim and seek the sympathy or validation that brings. When we are wronged we want everyone to know it. We want validation that we were wronged. We seek that attention. Burchett points out the positives of letting it go and moving forward. Key to that is forgiveness, which is the focus of the last section of part II and all of part III. Part III also addresses rights versus responsibilities. Burchett states, “One of the biggest obstacles keeping American Christians from taking responsibility for their actions is this sacred American ideal that we all have rights.” He explains that Christians confuse their rights as citizens with Christian responsibilities. Being a Christian does not give one a right to anything, but there are responsibilities attached. Love others, demonstrate humility, and seek unity within the Church are just a few that Burchett talks about.

Overall, I prefer his first book to the second. When Bad Christians Happens to Good People is a work that gives validation to those who feel wronged by individuals or the church. (See, there’s the validation factor again.) It is a work that recognizes it happens, but it is so much more. It offers a plan to heal and overthrow the shadow of victimhood. Bring ‘Em Back Alive is a great eye opener for personal evaluation, and a tool for how to help those who we know have been wronged- not just help them heal, but help them return to “the flock.” Both are good reads for anyone who feels wronged, or even for those who feel everything is perfect in their Christian bubble. It’s time to pop the bubble and realize that some are falling through the pews.

For more check out Dave Burchett “Confessions of a Bad Christian” at daveburchett.com

Tags: Reviews and evaluation

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